Who guards the guards? (3)

Who guards the guards? (3)

Some bloggers will be aware of the on/off running battle between Iain Dale and Tim Ireland. And that Iain Dale's Diary has recently had a face lift to try and improve its image. But, all that glitters is not gold. For example:

"Rules of Engagement
Iain Dale 2:19 PM

RULES ON COMMENTS

I welcome a healthy debate on this blog. It's what blogging is all about. Strongly worded comments are acceptable, but libellous ones are not. It is commonly thought that somehow bloggers operate outside the law of libel. This is an incorrect assumption. If I feel that any comment could be contrued as libellous I will not allow it through comment moderation.

Swearing is banned on this blog. If you use a swear word in your comment, again, it is liable to be deleted without explanation.

Anonymous posting is allowed, but if it is insulting to me or other people posting in the thread I reserve the right not to allow it through.

Please try to be as polite as possible. People seem to think that the internet can be used to say things to people which you wold (sic) never dream of saying to their face. Strong argument is welcomed, but please try to steer clear of personal insults where possible.

If any of these rules are continually transgressed I reserve the right to ban an individual from posting further comments.

In short, I reserve the right to delete any comment made on this blog with no explanation. This is a debating forum which I have created and if people do not like my rules they should feel free not to participate.

If you have suggestions for further rules of engagement, please feel free to leave them in the comments on this thread".

Now we have read the theory, let us see it in practice with this post and the comments here.

In particular, "...libellous ones are not. It is commonly thought that somehow bloggers operate outside the law of libel. This is an incorrect assumption. If I feel that any comment could be contrued as libellous I will not allow it through comment moderation". I recall Iain Dale stating on more than one occasion that he is not a lawyer. Therefore, how can he construe what is deemed as libellous? Perhaps, he should sell his new Audi and spend the money instead on seeking the legal advice from a libel lawyer (I don't mean that plonker Donal Blaney who is a tax lawyer and stepping into a minefield for his BNP chum Guido Fawkes/Paul Staines)?

It is arguable that I am a lawyer, like Donal Blaney, the laws of libel are not my specialist area. Nevertheless, I would construe this comment as a libel:

"Anonymous jus' passin' thru' said...

verity and geoff.

jailhouselawyer describes himself as a prison law consultant and presumably gets paid for his activities.

As he is in receipt of Benefits and is clearly not making himself available for work, he obviously needs a little help.

National Benefit Fraud Hotline:

0800 854 440

These people would love to help him towards his goal of rehabilitation into mainstream society.

Happy to Help.

February 04, 2008 4:41 AM".

It is accepted that Iain Dale is not a lawyer. However, he does claim to know what is insulting and what is not. And claims the right to decide who he will allow to be insulted and who he will not allow to be insulted on his blog:

"Anonymous posting is allowed, but if it is insulting to me or other people posting in the thread I reserve the right not to allow it through".

In my view, the following comments are insulting of and to me:

"Anonymous Geoff said...

No Jailhouselawyer, it doesn't help at all.

If I'm ever in the market for a second hand axe (slightly used) though then I'll give you a shout.

February 03, 2008 9:50 PM".

"Anonymous verity said...

Geoff - Jailhouse Lawyer would do well to drop his laughable professorial stance regarding crime. He doesn't understand that anyone who knows who he is wouldn't touch his link with a barge pole. He got some trash law degree in prison because they had to keep him occupied for 18 years or whatever it was (not long enough to pay for taking a life).

He claims to be a media consultant on prison law, but he also claims benefits from the British taxpayer, meaning relatives who loved the woman whose life he terminated with his axe attack are probably contributing to his upkeep, which goes against human nature.

In fact, there ought to be a series of boxes to tick on tax forms. Do you want money to go to providing prisoners with TVs and gym facilities? Tick here. Do want your money to go to building special muslim toilets facing away from mecca with your taxes? Tick here. Etc.

That would be illuminating, would it not?

February 04, 2008 12:40 AM".

"Anonymous jus' passin' thru' said...

verity and geoff.

jailhouselawyer describes himself as a prison law consultant and presumably gets paid for his activities.

As he is in receipt of Benefits and is clearly not making himself available for work, he obviously needs a little help.

National Benefit Fraud Hotline:

0800 854 440

These people would love to help him towards his goal of rehabilitation into mainstream society.

Happy to Help.

February 04, 2008 4:41 AM".

It will be noted that my comments are on topic, and not deserving of such treatment from someone who claims to be not only a respectable and responsible blogger, but also a respectable and responsible member of the Tory Party. It is not a libel to call Iain Dale both a liar and a hypocrite. Nor is it insulting to make a statement of fact. When, if ever, does Iain Dale intend to clean up his act? Could it be because it is deemed too dirty even for the Tories that they will not select him to run for a Tory seat (other than that in the small room)?